What Even Is The Nepo Baby Debutant Ball?

 

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What is this nepo baby ball we keep seeing all over the internet—or Le Bal des Débutantes, as it’s traditionally known?

The debutante ball is an event held in Paris that brings together 20-25 debutantes, aged between 16 and 22, from all over the world, celebrating their passage from young women to adulthood. An equal number of male debutantes, called cavaliers—sons of the rich and powerful—are also invited to accompany their partnered debutante at the event.

So, how does one snag an invitation? The criteria certainly don’t include us regular folk, that’s for sure. Attendees are typically strikingly attractive, intelligent young women—and, of course, the daughters of the world’s wealthiest and most influential families.

Each year, the guest list is a celebration of the elite, featuring real-life princesses, heiresses to billion-dollar empires, and descendants of generational power.

 

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A couple of celebrity children are thrown in each year, which is why most of us have stumbled across the event this time. Apple Martin, daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, made an appearance alongside her famous parents, wearing a custom Valentino Haute Couture gown. Oh, how the other half live…

Over the years, notable debutantes have included Lily Collins; daughter of Phil Collins, Margaret Qualley; daughter of Andie MacDowell, Ava Philippe; daughter of Reese Witherspoon, and Bee Shaffer; daughter of Anna Wintour, to name just a few.

@fitz.erin Tonight was the 30th anniversary of Le Bal Des Debutantes, formerly known as the Crillon Ball. Let’s take a look back at famous debutantes from previous years. I already have several videos on the 2024 attendees from tonight! The event is supposed to mark a woman’s official entrance into society. #lebaldesdebutantes #lebal #lilycollinsedit #margaretqualley #deb2024 ♬ original sound – Erin Fitzpatrick

The ball has been a tradition since 1958, though we’re still scratching our heads as to why it’s such a big deal—beyond giving the rich and famous another excuse to dress up and celebrate the so-called “transition to adulthood.”

For the rest of us, that milestone was marked by the Leaving Cert or a mediocre 18th birthday party. Traditionally, it was a chance for families to showcase their daughters for marriage to potential wealthy, powerful bachelors. Now, it’s more of a spectacle that leaves us all longing to be nepo babies.

@pierrickgeais La princesse Eugenie de Bourbon, fille de Louis de Bourbon, duc d’Anjou et prétendant au trône de France, ouvre le Bal des débutantes #baldesdebutantes ♬ Johann Strauss: Na Lijepom Plavom Dunavu, Valcer, Op. 314 – Zagrebačka Filharmonija

In recent years, the event has transformed into a full-blown fashion extravaganza. The gowns have become increasingly extravagant and shockingly expensive, making it the perfect opportunity for the elite to parade their offspring in six-figure couture while rubbing shoulders with families in their tax bracket.

It’s all a bit much, if you ask us. Sure, nepo babies can’t help being born into unimaginable wealth—bless them—but do they really need to gather in one room, adorned in gorgeous gowns, just to flaunt it all? No, they don’t.

Words by Cillian Murphy